Our story in pictures

Last October (I know I am so far behind), we attended a wedding reception that had a photo booth. I think the couple got their money worth on our family alone. The kids spent much of the evening taking their pictures. The rest of the evening, they spent on the dance floor. Based on their re-enactments of Dancing with the Stars, I much preferred the photo booth option.

All of us in order of addition to the family:
Our efforts at having personality:

Tim and the kids:

The 3 Dallas girls:

Calyn and Abby:

The three "big" kids:

Zach (can I just mention what kindergarten has done to my sweet boy):

Calyn (serious and smiling):

Abby (the party girl):

Happy Valentine's Day

Side note: I promise that we are not abusing Zach. He had yet another "incident." He tripped and managed to break his fall with his head. Poor guy!

Squeeze it in

I have to get this post in before tomorrow. Valentine's Day is one of my most favorite days of the year. But before we get to the love, let's re-cap the recent winter weather.

The kids were so excited about playing in the snow. I felt like it was way too cold for them to be outside. So we compromised. We have to check our neighbor's mail everyday because she is in the hospital (has been since October-feel free to pray for her-her name is Leona). I bundled up the big kids and let them go get Leona's mail. I went out with them and let them play as long as they wanted. We were outside less than 10 minutes! It was cold!

Grant was SO mad that he did not get to go outside (he is not outside in the picture but it looks like he is)

We enjoyed the week of very cold temperatures. We enjoyed several fires in the fireplace, stew, smores, chili, and hot chocolate. It was fun to take a break from our normal routine and just enjoy lots of time together as a family.

Be still my heart

Last Saturday, Melissa and I loaded up our children and headed to Amarillo. Thanks to a large freezer, I only had Makenna and Grant in my car. Mak watched a movie while Grant slept, making for a quiet trip.

Part of me was dreading this trip. Part of me was hopeful. Several of Brie's friends had met in Amarillo the previous Monday in order to spend time with the girls and help organize. I was set to make the trip and even had grandparents come from Wichita Falls to watch the kids for me. However, a vicious stomach bug struck on Sunday night. It took out me and the three older kids. Calyn also had strep. Grant and Abby had sinus infections. It quickly was clear that I was not meant to go to Amarillo. Melissa, Carrie, and Rachel were able to love on the girls, meet the new Nanny, see/hold Curren, and organize closets. There was a lot of crying involved.

Once we arrived in Amarillo (for Eleri's birthday party) my heart was happy. Uncle Brandon held Eleri while she opened her presents. She was beaming while everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. Mali's smile was such a sight to see. She played the big sister role excellently as she helped Eleri open her presents. Eric looked good and was having fun playing golf in the backyard with all the men. It was so good to see each one of Brie's special loves doing well.

After cake and ice cream, I asked Eric about seeing Curren. It was about 20 minutes past his normal visiting time but Eric called up to the hospital anyway. The nurse informed him that Curren had just had a major diaper explosion and that if we came immediately that I could hold him. I was in the car so fast that I did not even tell my children that I was leaving. Curren was just finishing a bottle when we arrived. I then got to hold him. He looks so big in the pictures, but he is still so, so tiny. It meant so much for me to be able to hold this precious boy. I got to tell him about his mom and how much she meant to me. I got to gaze over him and thank God for his life. I tried singing to him but that was just not my thing (sorry Carrie-there was an audience).

I hated to leave Amarillo but am so thankful for the ways that God has and continues to provide for Brie's family. I miss her everyday but know that she is where she was meant to be. Now I am encouraged that her family will make it through. It will be a daily struggle but God is good. He will hold then through every step. Please continue to pray for this family.